Pelargonium graveolens (Rose Geranium) - A Novel Therapeutic Agent for Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antifungal and Diabetics

Abstract

Objectives: Draw upon published research articles for evidence and comprise the collected evidence in an evaluation of the preserving and therapeutic abilities of Pelargonium graveolens. Design: The articles used as research for this research review were discovered by searching public databases with keywords such as “Pelargonium graveolens”, “P. graveolens”, “pelargoniums”, “rose-scented geranium”, and “geraniums.” Then the articles were reviewed, summarized, and organized based on findings. Results: Many articles were reviewed and many different benefits to the Pelargonium genus were discovered. The major focus in the reviewed articles, however, was on the species Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens). P. graveolens displayed many positive benefits. The major benefits that were reviewed were the plant’s antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-fungal activities. Other noteworthy benefits that were reviewed include hypoglycemic and anti-reprotoxic activities as well as fairly low toxicity levels. Conclusion: Pelargonium graveolens antibacterial activity shows promise and could move to human trials. However, more research needs to be performed on Gram-negative bacteria because the essential from the plant does not have as strong of an effect as it does on Gram-positive bacteria. As an antioxidant, results are very positive and human trials could ensue. Regarding anti-fungal activity, the essential oil outperformed the drugs currently in place to treat fungal activity and in doing so led to the conclusion that P. graveolens could be used as a viable anti-fungal. Pelargonium graveolens’s antioxidant ability is linked to its hypoglycemic effects against diabetes as diabetes has been linked to oxidative stress. Human trials in this area could also ensue. Against toxins that affected the male reproductive system, P. graveolens showed to reverse the negative effects and more research should be done to look into the potential for human trials. In most cases thus far observed, P. graveolens’s toxicity level was relatively low and within limits to be harmless to humans. However, it was not low enough to be considered without any hesitation and more research should be performed to look for ways to lower this level.